Sample Ceremony

Sample Ceremony Introduction

This sample ceremonies page lists and describes the typical example ceremony parts that Rev. Lance uses. Generally speaking, the only difference between a civil, religious, or spiritual wedding ceremony is the wording of each ceremony part used. But most use the same order of parts.

Whether all parts are included, or just a few, the ceremony to last about 25 minutes. Do not plan your ceremony thinking it is how many words that determines how long it takes. The length of time is driven by the pace at which the officiant presents the material. Again, 95% of the ceremonies take about 25 minutes from procession to recessional.

Bi or tri lingual ceremonies where everything is translated into many languages as the ceremony progresses

Inclusion of Orthodox triple phrases and other traditional parts

Addition of dates and honey or salt and bread for Muslim or Lithuanian traditions

Sample Ceremony Wedding Marriage Vows

Contemporary Wedding Vow

Traditional Wedding Vow

Short Marriage Vow

Spiritual Wedding Vow

Simple Vow

Optional Add-0ns

Including Children

The sharing of a cup of wine

Bride & Groom First Communion/Eucharist

Jumping the Broom

Breaking the Glass

Basic Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

Not all parts will apply in every ceremony

ProcessionalThis how you get the minister, wedding party and parents to the front. My preferred style is for the minister to come in first followed by those groomsmen not escorting, then groomsmen that have someone to escort like parents or grandparents who are seated during procession, then groom with his parent(s), then ring bearer, bride’s maid individually, flower girl, bell ringer, then bride.

Introduction

Giving of the Bride

Moment of Remembrance for those deceased or not able to attend.

Pledge of Support by parents

Parents/Sponsors InvolvementThis may be accomplished with the mothers lighting unity candle tapers, receiving flowers from the bride and groom during a mini-parent greeting, or sand preparation for a sand ceremony. This is when the minister talks about the important of parents getting us to this day. Sample Ceremony.

Cording & VeilThis is a Pacific rim and South American tradition where the sponsors, Godparents, or mothers pin a veil to the couple then place a cord over their heads. A Blessing is invoked then the cord and veil are removed in opposite order.

Reading #1

Recognition of ParentsBefore we go on to say more about love, it is important to recognize from where love comes in our lives. Of course, someone first loved Bride and Groom. Someone cared for them as children, showed them what love, compassion, kindness, and care is. Of course we are speaking of the parents. The work of our parents is critical in preparing us to be the loving adults we are, so today, Bride and Groom want to make special recognition of their parents today, for making today possible. I speak for everyone here when we say “Thank You mom’s and dad’s for beginning in Groom and Bride something so special. (Now Bride and Groom present flowers to their parents)

Words on Love or Marriage

Blessing of Rings

Exchange of Rings & Vows

Reading #2

Charge to the Couple/Affirmation of Love

PrayerA prayer can be done religiously or a spoken blessing from a guest, parent, or sponsor.

Couple Unity ActivityThe couple can light a unity candle, complete the sand ceremony, or drink from a chalice. The drinking of wine or pseudo-wine can be done in a religious, spiritual, or earthy way. No matter what activity is used, its the couples first formal act as husband and wife.

Joining of the ChildrenThis is where brides and grooms have an opportunity to include their children in the ceremony. This may include a blessing, exchange of vows of commitment of care, and exchange of gifts, medallions, or rings.